Bathory was the project of Tomas "Ace" Börje Forsberg (Quorthon), 17th February 1966 - 3rd June 2004). Bathory was a landmark band in the history of black metal. Most second wave black metal bands were influenced by the ground work laid down by Bathory. The name was taken from Elizabeth Báthory, 17th century Hungarian noblewoman, accused of torturing and killing hundreds of girls and young women, with one witness attributing to her over 600 victims, though she was only convicted on 80 counts.

Bathory started as a black metal band, releasing three albums in that style. Around the late 80s, Bathory changed its style from black metal to what was later known as viking metal, mixing epic heavy metal with nordic themes and viking influences. After the release of Twilight of the Gods (1991), Quorthon disbanded Bathory for a short while and made alternative rock albums under the name Quorthon. In 1994 Bathory returned with a retrothrash album entitled Requiem, followed by Octagon in 1995. The next album, Destroyer of Worlds (2001), was a mix between viking metal and the retrothrash of the two previous albums. Then Bathory returned completely to viking metal, releasing Nordland I (2002) and Nordland II (2003). One year later Quorthon passed away of heart failure.

Discography:

Bathory (1984)
The Return... of Darkness and Evil (1985)
Under the Sign of the Black Mark (1986)
Blood Fire Death (1988)
Hammerheart (1990)
Twilight of the Gods (1991)
Jubileum vol. I (compilation, 1992)
Jubileum vol. II (compilation, 1993)
Requiem (1994)
Octagon (1995)
Blood on Ice (1995)
Jubileum vol. III (compilation, 1998)
Destroyer of Worlds (2001)
Nordland I (2002)
Nordland II (2003)
In Memory Of Quorthon Vol.I(Best of/Compilation,2006)
In Memory Of Quorthon Vol.II(Best of/Compilation,2006)
In Memory Of Quorthon Vol.III(Best of/Compilation,2006)
In Memory Of Quorthon(Boxed Set,2006)

Tributes:
In Conspiracy With Satan (1996)
Hellas Salutes The Vikings (1997)

Splits:
Scandinavian Metal Attack (1984)